Part 1:The Brink of Destruction
Thick plumes of smoke choked the horizon, veiling the sky in a shroud of grey.
The vast meadow beside the Arakawa River, once lush and vibrant, was now nothing more than a wasteland of ash. The air hung heavy with the acrid scent of burning debris and the metallic tang of blood. Everywhere lay the jagged remains of shattered concrete and the charred skeletons of trees.
"Hana… hang on. You're going to be okay. I… I can save you!"
A trembling voice echoed across the graveyard-like silence of the plains.
It was Himura Takuto.
He was in a state of utter ruin. His school uniform was shredded, caked in grime and dark bloodstains. Blood welled from a gash on his forehead, stinging his eyes, but he didn't care. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony tearing through his heart.
Because in his arms lay his younger sister, Hana.
Her auburn hair was matted with blood, and the wound in her chest bled profusely, defying all efforts to stop it. Her deep brown eyes, once full of life, were slowly growing dim.
"I'm so sorry… Hana. Please, just stay with me!" Takuto pleaded.
Gritting his teeth, Takuto pressed both palms over her wound. Suddenly, a surge of crimson Stella Flow Energy erupted from his hands, desperately trying to knit her flesh back together.
But the red light flickered and died, dissolving into the air before it could take hold. No matter how much power he poured out, her breathing grew shallower and more ragged.
"Why?! Why isn't it working?!" Takuto's voice cracked in a desperate sob.
As the energy flickered wildly, Hana weakly shook her head. With a trembling hand, she reached up and feebly grasped his.
"Stop… please stop, Onii-chan," she whispered. "It's no use… I'm… I'm not going to make it."
"No! Don't say that, Hana! I won't let you die! I'm trying... I'm trying everything!"
Takuto wept uncontrollably. His tears fell like cold rain, splashing onto Hana's pale face.
Summoning the last of her strength, Hana placed her palm against his cheek. A faint, ghostly smile touched her lips.
"Thank you… for everything you've done for me, Onii-chan. And… I'm sorry for lying to you. The truth is… I love you so much..."
"I love you too, Hana! I—"
Before Takuto could finish, Hana's hand lost its strength. It slipped from his cheek and thudded lifelessly onto the ground. Her eyes remained open, staring blankly at the dark sky, her body turning as cold as stone.
"Hana? Hana! Stop joking… open your eyes!"
Silence fell over the world. Takuto pulled her limp body into a crushing embrace, looked up at the heavens, and let out a harrowing scream.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
The sound of his soul breaking echoed long and loud across the ruins.
(Transition)
If only I had the power…
If only I had been stronger…
I couldn't even protect the one thing I cherished.
If only it had been like this from the start…
Two years earlier...
The echoes of his regret faded into a void of darkness. Then, a sharp sound cut through the void.
Clin… Clin… Clin…!
The piercing ring of an alarm clock shattered the silence.
"Huh… is it 7:00 already?"
Takuto scrambled out of bed. The intense pain and the smell of blood from moments ago felt like a blurred, distant nightmare. Yet, a heavy sense of loss lingered in his chest. He let out a long, weary sigh and headed to the bathroom.
The reflection in the mirror was a far cry from the blood-stained youth of the future. Here, he was just an ordinary student.
My name is Himura Takuto. I'm a loner, the last of my line. My parents passed away when I was seven, and I've lived in this house alone ever since. There's no friend to greet me when I go out, and no one to say "Welcome home" when I return. This loneliness… it's become my normal.
After showering and changing into his uniform, he prepared for school. Grabbing his bag from the doorway, he paused to look at a faded photograph on the table.
"I'm heading out... Mom, Dad."
His voice was quiet but sincere. After a brief nod to the smiling faces in the photo, he locked the door and stepped out into the morning.
Cherry blossom petals danced in the breeze, and the laughter of students filled the air. Yet, Takuto moved through the crowd like a ghost, separate from their world. He didn't know that behind the school gates he was about to enter, a fate was waiting that would change his life forever.
Takuto took a deep breath and slid the classroom door open.
Part2: The Mask and the Invitation
The moment he opened the door, a wave of warmth and chatter hit him. As usual, no one noticed his entrance. He kept his head down, weaving through the crowd toward his desk.
"Ayano-senpai! Thanks for explaining that lesson the other day. I finally get it now!"
In the center of a group of girls stood a radiant figure: Ayano Daichi. She was a year older than Takuto, so he always addressed her with the respect of a 'Senpai.'
"It's no problem," Ayano replied, her voice clear and melodic. "We're classmates, after all."
As Takuto moved to sit down, Ayano turned toward him and offered a gentle smile.
"Oh… Takuto-kun. Good morning."
Takuto's heart skipped a beat, and a flush crept up his neck.
"O-oh… Good morning, Ayano-senpai…"
He stammered a quick reply and sat down, his heart racing. Ayano was the school's "Goddess"—brilliant, athletic, and kind to everyone.
But to Takuto, she was even more special. Two years ago, she had been known as the "Ice Princess," distant and cold. He had first met her in the library and recognized a familiar loneliness in her eyes. Because they were both outcasts in their own way, they had grown close.
Now, even though she was loved by everyone, she remained just as close to him as before.
Maybe that's why… I've fallen for her.
4:00 PM – After School
The setting sun cast a warm orange glow across the classroom. Most students had already left. Takuto stood alone, trying to summon the courage to approach Ayano. His palms were slick with sweat.
I have to tell her today…
"Ayano-senpai!"
She paused while grabbing her bag and looked back at him. "Yes, Takuto-kun? Is something wrong? Do you need help with something?"
"No… it's not that!" Takuto blurted out, shaking his head frantically. "The thing is… would you… would you go on a date with me, Senpai?"
The air went still. Takuto could hear the frantic thumping of his own heart. Is she going to reject me?
But then, Ayano let out a soft, sweet laugh and gave him a dazzling smile.
"Then… okay. Does Saturday at 4:00 PM work for you?"
Takuto's eyes lit up. "Wait… really?! Yes! That works! That's perfect, Senpai!"
As Ayano walked toward the door, she paused and gave him a playful wink.
"I'll be looking forward to it, Takuto-kun… our little date."
After she left, Takuto stood there alone, clutching his chest in pure joy. He was blissfully unaware that behind that beautiful smile lay a cold, calculated plan.
(Scene Transition: A skyscraper rooftop at 11:00 PM)
The city lights twinkled like distant jewels far below, but atop this monolith, only the biting wind and a chilling silence reigned. A woman clad in a sleek black suit stood with her back to the moon, gazing down at the sprawling metropolis. Her presence radiated a crushing pressure, enough to make anyone nearby catch their breath.
"Hey… Kaori."
At the sound of the voice, Kaori immediately dropped to one knee, bowing her head in deep respect.
Kaori: "Yes… Sora-sama."
Sora handed a tablet to Kaori. Displayed on the screen was a photograph of Takuto in his school uniform, wearing a gentle smile.
Sora: "Keep a close watch on this boy."
Sora's voice was cold, yet it carried an undertone of deep yearning.
Kaori glanced at the photo and frowned. "Is he… the one we've been searching for? Is he that person?"
"Yes…" Sora nodded slowly. "He is vital to us. His 'Eyes' possess the power to reshape the world. You must protect him before he falls into the hands of those people."
Kaori: "Those people… you mean?"
"The foxes behind the masks," Sora replied with a mocking smirk, looking up at the full moon. "The time we've been waiting for is drawing near. The wheels of fate have begun to turn."
In that instant, Sora's eyes shifted. They were no longer human; they transformed into a brilliant, glowing crimson-orange. Within those pupils, strange light patterns swirled like ancient runes, harboring a terrifying, dormant power.
Sora: "Takuto… let us see if your awakening will be a blessing for us, or a living hell."
As her words faded into the wind, both figures vanished into thin air, leaving not a single trace behind.
Saturday, 3:55 PM – In front of Katowa Shopping Mall
Takuto kept checking his watch, trying to steady his frantic heartbeat. He was dressed simply, but he had spent hours preparing for today.
"Takuto-kun!"
He turned at the familiar voice and felt the air leave his lungs. Ayano-senpai was stunning. She wore a black T-shirt paired with a short skirt, layered under a sheer white long-sleeved shirt. She looked far more adorable and feminine than she ever did in her school uniform.
"Have you been waiting long?" she asked with a bright smile.
"N-no… not at all. I just got here myself," Takuto replied, scratching his head sheepishly. In reality, he had been waiting for over an hour.
They wandered through the mall together. Passing a boutique, Takuto's eyes caught a simple white cotton bracelet. Though the design was modest, he felt its pure white color would perfectly complement Senpai's fair skin.
"Senpai… just a moment." Takuto bought the bracelet and handed it to her.
"It's beautiful… is this for me?" Ayano looked genuinely surprised as she put it on immediately. Her eyes sparkled with delight, yet for a fleeting second, a shadow of inexplicable sadness crossed her gaze—a detail Takuto failed to notice.
Evening – Inside a Cozy Café
The scent of fresh coffee mingled with a soft, melodic tune playing in the background. Takuto sipped on a blueberry smoothie while Ayano indulged in the café's signature chocolate cake.
"Takuto-kun… here, say 'Ah'." Ayano cut a small piece of cake with her fork and held it out to him.
Takuto's face turned bright red. "Wait… Senpai… people are watching!"
"So what? We're on a date. Come on… say 'Ah'..." She teased him with a playful wink. Unable to resist her charm, Takuto shyly opened his mouth.
Between the sweetness of the cake and Ayano's radiant smile, Takuto felt as if he were in a dream. However, hidden behind her laughter, a trace of grief flickered in her eyes—the look of someone about to lose something precious.
6:00 PM – An Isolated Park
The setting sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows as a cool breeze swept through. Walking beside her, Takuto decided to take a leap of faith.
His hands were trembling, but he finally reached out and gently took Ayano's hand. Her skin was surprisingly cold.
When he looked at her, Ayano stopped walking and turned to face him. Her eyes no longer held their usual warmth; they felt dark and hollow.
"Takuto-kun… you really are too kind," she said. Her voice had turned icy, though it vibrated with a hidden pain. "But it seems… fate only allowed us to go this far."
Slowly, Ayano pulled her hand away. Though a smile remained on her face, it had transformed into a cold, terrifying mask—one Takuto had never seen before.
Part 3:The Teardrop Mask and the Salvation
The air in the park turned deathly cold. Ayano stepped away from him, her eyes now as lifeless as glass.
Ayano: "Takuto-kun… you really are a fool. I show you a little kindness, and you follow me like a loyal puppy."
Takuto froze. "What… Senpai? What are you talking about?"
Ayano stepped closer and cupped his face with both hands. Her touch was freezing, but as Takuto looked closer, he saw tears welling in her eyes. She seemed to be forcing her cruel smile to hide an immense sorrow.
Ayano: "It's not you I want, Takuto-kun… I want your… 'Eyes'."
Takuto: "Senpai… stop it. I don't understand!"
"You don't need to. I'm taking those beautiful eyes of yours now…" Her voice trembled, despite her attempt to sound ruthless. As she stared into his pupils, she suddenly frowned.
Ayano: "Hmph… your eyes haven't awakened yet? No matter… we'll just have to take you with us."
"Us?"
Takuto tried to struggle, but Ayano's strength was far beyond that of an ordinary girl. Suddenly, several figures in strange tactical gear emerged from the shadows, pinning him down.
Ayano turned her back on him. Takuto couldn't see it, but her hands were shaking, and she was gripping the white bracelet he had given her so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"Takuto! Close your eyes!"
A sharp voice rang out, and an object thudded onto the ground, exploding into a blinding flash of light.
"Gah…!" The captors recoiled, blinded. In that split second, a girl dressed in black grabbed Takuto's hand and pulled him away with incredible speed.
Once they reached a safe distance, the girl stopped to catch her breath. It was Kaori Ichinose.
[END OF CHAPTER 1]